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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-10-18 Daily Xml
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MY TEHRAN FOR SALE

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (16:08): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister representing the Minister for the Arts a question regarding the funding of the movie, My Tehran for Sale.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD: As the minister would be aware—there was extensive media coverage just last week—the actress Marzieh Vafamehr has been gaoled in Iran for a period of one year and sentenced to an unbelievable 90 lashes after appearing in the South Australian-sponsored film, My Tehran for Sale. The movie is apparently critical of the Islamic Republic's policies and includes footage of Ms Vafamehr without the Islamic hijab covering her head and neck. Iranian authorities have also claimed that the film did not obtain the necessary permits, although that has been disputed. The film was funded partly by the South Australian Film Corporation and the Adelaide Film Festival. I make it clear that I make no criticism of that funding. My questions, quite simply, to the minister are:

1. How much funding did the South Australian taxpayer provide for the making of the film My Tehran for Sale and what additional funding was provided for flights, accommodation, living costs and other incidentals?

2. What foreknowledge, if any, did the South Australian government have as to the possible ramifications that the actress may be subject to once the film was released? Was there any discussion to that effect? What knowledge, if any, did the government have of the possible risks?

3. What representations, if any, has the South Australian or federal government, to the best of the minister's knowledge, made to the Iranian government in order to assist the actress and her family?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (16:10): I thank the honourable member for his important questions and will refer them to the Minister for the Arts in another place and bring back a response.

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